Darcheville says he should have equalised against Lyon

"I don't want to make excuses but the ball gave a little bobble. But I should have scored," said the 32-year-old.

"You don't get five or six chances at this level in the Champions League - if you get one, you have to take it."

The Frenchman, who was later sent off in the 3-0 defeat, said it was the biggest disappointment of his career.

Interview: Rangers manager Walter Smith

Interview: Rangers midfielder Brahim Hemdani

Rangers needed a point against Lyon on Wednesday to progress to the knockout stages of the competition.

But the French champions joined Group E winners Barcelona in the last 16 after winning 3-0 at Ibrox.

I was sure I was going to score and it would've given us a great chance to qualify Jean-Claude Darcheville

Darcheville, who was brought on with 20 minutes remaining, blazed over the crossbar from five yards after a superb pass from Barry Ferguson.

Lyon were leading 1-0 at that stage, and Darcheville said he was disappointed not to score.

"I knew the importance of the game, I'm a very experienced striker and I knew that was an important moment in the game," he said.

"I was sure I was going to score and it would've given us a great chance to qualify."

Rangers team-mate Steven Naismith said the players were not blaming Darcheville for the Ibrox club's exit.

"Darch's miss would have changed everything but that's football," said Naismith.

"Some will say it was a bad miss but we are right behind him. We win as a team and lose as a team. Nobody is pointing fingers at him."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to the result at Ibrox

Rangers manager Walter Smith was frustrated to see Rangers slip into the Uefa Cup after losing to Lyon.

"The Uefa Cup isn't a great consolation but maybe in the next few days we'll appreciate it a bit more," he said.

"It was a disappointing result and disappointing performance overall.

"We'll sit down and reflect in the next few days. We've enjoyed some good experiences and some bad ones as well. I'm sure it will help their careers."